Directional Warning Sound via DML Arrays for Electric Vehicles
This study explores how inertial exciters mounted on vehicle panels can create focused, directional warning sounds for electric vehicles. By using structural vibration instead of traditional speakers, the system achieves high acoustic performance with low environmental noise and minimal cabin intrusion—highlighting practical, real-world applications for DML technology.
Enhancing SPL in Exciter-Based Systems: A Comparative Study with Traditional Subwoofers
This whitepaper from Continental Engineering Services explores how exciter-based sound systems can outperform conventional subwoofers in both maximum SPL and distortion. Using carbon fiber panels and AS Bass actuators, the study demonstrates an 8 dB gain in SPL and a significant reduction in THD compared to traditional speaker setups. These findings reinforce the high-performance potential of DML technology in compact, low-profile applications like automotive audio and embedded environments.
Legacy Insight: NXT Technology Review and the Origins of DML Audio
This foundational paper offers a historical perspective on NXT's pioneering work in Distributed Mode Loudspeaker (DML) technology. It reviews the science behind bending wave theory, panel material selection, and the acoustic advantages of distributed surface vibration. As a legacy document, it highlights the origins of modern exciter applications and provides valuable context for today’s evolving DML designs.
Ford Patent: Exterior Vehicle Panels as Loudspeakers Using Exciter Technology
This recent Ford patent filing (US 2024/0416845 A1) outlines an innovative method for integrating exciters into vehicle exterior panels—such as doors, hoods, or bumpers—to function as loudspeakers. The design aims to eliminate conventional speaker grills and leverage surface vibration to produce audio externally. It opens the door for weather-resistant, stealth audio applications in automotive design, reinforcing the growing relevance of DML exciters in rugged, non-traditional environments.
DeepVib: Contactless Vibrometry for Speaker and Exciter Monitoring Using AI
Presented at NSDI '23, this paper introduces “DeepVib,” an AI-based system that uses camera-based vibrometry to remotely monitor speaker and exciter behavior. By analyzing tiny visual vibrations, DeepVib can detect performance issues and classify faults—without direct electrical sensing. Though not focused on DML, this breakthrough has major implications for future exciter arrays, enabling real-time quality assurance, remote diagnostics, and smart integration into AI-managed audio systems.
Editor’s Note:
As exciter-based audio systems become more widespread and embedded, non-contact tools like DeepVib offer a compelling path toward smarter, self-monitoring solutions. This technology could enable real-time calibration and fault detection in distributed exciter installations—perfect for next-gen DML deployments.
DML Exciters 2025 Pitch Deck: Surface Sound Integration Across Industries
This overview deck presents the DML Exciters mission, core capabilities, and cross-industry integration opportunities for Distributed Mode Loudspeaker technology. Highlighting key markets—including automotive, consumer electronics, healthcare, smart home, and aerospace—the deck outlines how DML exciters transform surfaces into hidden audio sources. It also includes a detailed comparison between traditional speakers and DML transducers, showcasing the unique value of surface-driven sound in design-driven applications.